Make It Monday: Homemade Memory Game

This weekend I spent a little time working on holiday gifts -- specifically a homemade memory game for Little. I was inspired by this post over at Or So She Says. The basic process involves scanning pages from vintage children's books, shrinking them and Mod Podging them onto wooden blocks. There was only one problem (well actually two problems). First, I do not own a scanner. And second, all I own is an ink jet printer (the concern being smearing of ink).

After mulling it about I had an epiphany. What is a camera if not a scanner of life? First problem solved -- I could simply photograph the illustrations. And what book did I choose? A copy of Hans Christian Anderson tales from my childhood, illustrated by Paul Durand. The stories include: The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep, The Little Match Girl, The Princess and the Pea, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Tin Soldier, Thumbelina and The Emperor's New Clothes.

The photographs were sized in photoshop to fit on 2 inch wood blocks. The blocks were purchased here. I also downloaded a fabric sample photo (as per the tutorial) and used that to create the background textures. Both files were saved and uploaded to Flickr. Click here to access the background textures and here to access the illustrations. You are welcome to download these files and use them for yourself. They print on a single sheet and will need to be cut to size.

To get around the bleeding ink jet the photos were sprayed with a clear top coat paint. Actually I Mod Podged the photos first (gluing only the backs) then sprayed the top. Two coats of spray were necessary as the first coat was somewhat cloudy.

Finally I sewed a quick drawstring bag and added an i-cord cord made from leftover yarn. And there you have it. Another homemade gift complete. I must admit I'm rather smitten with this project. Now I have something besides I Spy bags to make for children's gifts.

Happy Monday (a touch early I know)!

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